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BeyondBlue Hello! Read this if you're not sure how to get started
  • replies: 0

Welcome This section of the Beyond Blue Forums is for talking about our experiences with Depression. There are lots of chats about how it makes us feel, what it’s like to live with depression and what has worked to help in these times. Thank you for ... View more

Welcome This section of the Beyond Blue Forums is for talking about our experiences with Depression. There are lots of chats about how it makes us feel, what it’s like to live with depression and what has worked to help in these times. Thank you for coming this far, we know it can be really hard to take these steps if depression is in your life - we see you and think this is a great step. To get the most out of this space we have a few tips: Get involved. The Forums work best for you when you get active and post where you can. Now, we know that can be really hard, especially when you are experiencing depression. So, if you can post something supportive to someone else here, that would be an incredible start. Speak from the heart. This community wants to know how YOU feel and what has worked for YOU. We trust that you have something unique to say and we can’t wait to hear it. Check in. Lots of the chats on this Forum having been going for years and they are some of the richest conversations we have. Keep checking in to get new ideas and offer your support. We know it can be tough to start, but when you are ready we want to hear your thoughts. If you need some time to get to know the community, that's okay! Have a look around and see where you want to get involved. Thank you for being here Beyond Blue

Jeriava How do I talk to my doctor?
  • replies: 9

I’ve been struggling with my life for the past 7-8 years but I finally made an appointment with a doctor. I feel really scared though because I don’t ever go to the doctor for anything, and I havent seen this doctor for so many years that I’m really ... View more

I’ve been struggling with my life for the past 7-8 years but I finally made an appointment with a doctor. I feel really scared though because I don’t ever go to the doctor for anything, and I havent seen this doctor for so many years that I’m really scared that they’ll judge me or won’t believe anything I say. I’m really anti social so I feel like I won’t be able to say what I wanna say or I’ll say the wrong thing causing them to just dismiss me and move me along without helping. I’m just tired of feeling alone, depressed and just worthless but I’m really scared to talk to them.

AGrace SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING DEPRESSION
  • replies: 132

Hi Everyone, Here are some ideas you might like to try for managing symptoms of depression. Of course everyone's different, so let us know what works for you, and please feel free to add to the list... Mindfulness – through breathing or engaging the ... View more

Hi Everyone, Here are some ideas you might like to try for managing symptoms of depression. Of course everyone's different, so let us know what works for you, and please feel free to add to the list... Mindfulness – through breathing or engaging the 5 senses Distress Tolerance – Accepting Emotions and Self Soothing Distraction – Put the thoughts/feelings aside and come back to them when you are ready to deal with them Positive Affirmations – Have some affirmations written down repeat them to yourself daily Sleep/Exercise/Diet – All 3 aspects of our lifestyle can impact the way we think/feel Increasing Pleasurable Activities – Engage in at least one pleasurable activity per day

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Johnno89 Newbies story
  • replies: 3

Hi am a 27 year old male and would like to express a little about me, Well I've got a long history of ups and downs. Goods and bads.giving up hope, quitting, self doubt and ever thinking if I can live the life I know truly want. Currently an diagnose... View more

Hi am a 27 year old male and would like to express a little about me, Well I've got a long history of ups and downs. Goods and bads.giving up hope, quitting, self doubt and ever thinking if I can live the life I know truly want. Currently an diagnosed with anxiety, social anxiety, depression and ADHD. But deep down there's that darkness pulling me down. I've been doing a lot of research about the habits, feelings and mood swing I always have and have across bipolar 2. Which actually seems perfect for my condition. i understand now why I got a bad sexual desire for sex and women and always seek it. Why I get a feeling like I can achieve anything and feel in touch with the world and money sprees I do when I can not afford it. But there is then dark depression that can kick in and I shut myself out from the world and hide in my cocoon. I've had multiple relationships that have failed due mood swings and cheating, I know cheating is bad, but I crave the thrill of being naughty and the fight is real whether to do it or not. When I'm in my highs, I try everything possible to achieve my dreams, but end up getting overwhelmed and quit. I currently don't work or study, I try both and end up just quitting. I get over it or I get overwhelmed and think I'm not capable to stick to it. That then leads to a down cycle, where I hate myself, hate life, wish this pain would stop and believe this will be me forever. It's a hard cycle to beat. I do end up beating and follow the same cycle. I never went to the doctors on a low, it would be when I'm good and I'd explain that I'm doing well and can you refill my anti-depressant script please. But at the times I didn't really understand my behaviour patterns, I just thought I was depressed. So it's no ones fault other than miscommunicate and no knowledge. I am seeing my doctor next week to explain everything in detail about this and I see my psychiatrist next month. I feel there's something more than just "depression" something lies deep and I always knew, but it's hard to reach out for help and speak about YOU. But I'm ready to fight and overcome my fears, I still have a journey ahead of me. But knowing there's more to me other than the illnesses I have gives me that extra hope and a whole lot of weight off my shoulders. thanks

Debra66 Bpd and working full time
  • replies: 4

Hi.I am 50 with newly dignosed BPD. Have suspected it for a long time.I work full time as a Specialist Childrens Worker in a NFP Families and Childrens Family Violence and Homelessness program.I am Case Manager and therapeutic childrens Worker. I am ... View more

Hi.I am 50 with newly dignosed BPD. Have suspected it for a long time.I work full time as a Specialist Childrens Worker in a NFP Families and Childrens Family Violence and Homelessness program.I am Case Manager and therapeutic childrens Worker. I am an adoptee.I have 3 adult sons I mostly bought up alone after divorce 18 yrs ago.I remarried 4 years ago. I have a constant daily struggle with not wanting to work and be at home.I have always struggled with management in every job I have had. I am fine with clients..just no good with employers. I take their criticism very personally. I earn good salary but struggle with wanting to be at home. Financially I am major earner as husband is on work cover. I desperately want to work part time and be mentally healthy. Any one else had these issues ???

Yoga_has_changed_my_life Bipola and ADHD - does anybody have both that can help me out?
  • replies: 4

Hi ive been diagnosed with Bipola and Maybe ADHD. Can anyone help help me out with surviving? Eg any support groups? I don't know anyone who has both conditions. Cheers Yoga

Hi ive been diagnosed with Bipola and Maybe ADHD. Can anyone help help me out with surviving? Eg any support groups? I don't know anyone who has both conditions. Cheers Yoga

YogiBear1980 Am I "depressed" or just damn lazy?
  • replies: 3

Gday everyone, My names Michael and I'm 36 years old. I thought id try and be proactive and do something about my extreme laziness and find out more about it, and rule in, or out depression/anxiety. Just thought id come in here and say hello. I will ... View more

Gday everyone, My names Michael and I'm 36 years old. I thought id try and be proactive and do something about my extreme laziness and find out more about it, and rule in, or out depression/anxiety. Just thought id come in here and say hello. I will update this thread with more about myself and to see if anyone else feels the same as I do. Todays update: Sunday 29th January; Home alone for the weekend while the partner and kids are away, plan to do a bit of housework and I slept in till 3pm... Feeling extremely guilty and just feel like sleep allows me to escape reality. Wake up... Roll over and snooze... Only reason I'm up is that I promised to have a few things done. (We have a very old house in need of repair and I'm meant to be painting my daughters bedroom) I feel like when I explain my situation I'm just being a big baby and should just harden up. Unsure if I'm depressed or just plan lazy. OK, i better run, gotta get some painting done. Any questions welcome and I will be back to update more about myself.

Paul DBT, Borderline and my whole world changing.
  • replies: 10

Hi everyone, Some of you will recognise me (hello again). In the last 3.5 months, I've moved interstate, changed job, put my apartment on the market but continue to pay the mortgaged outgoings, advertised for a tenant, pay rent and outgoings intersta... View more

Hi everyone, Some of you will recognise me (hello again). In the last 3.5 months, I've moved interstate, changed job, put my apartment on the market but continue to pay the mortgaged outgoings, advertised for a tenant, pay rent and outgoings interstate, got ripped off by removalists, My car (worth $5,000) cost me $6,000 That was just before christmas. I went to my GP to see if there was a psychologist I could speak to but I ended up in a mental health facility for christmas and new year. I was coping reasonably after that, but then my car broke down and requires at least $1,000 worth of inspection to determine what's wrong. That's sent me into a hole again with a lot of pain and suicidal ideation. I'm staying with my sister at the moment who is looking after me. My discharge summary from the hospital stay hinted at BPD. After reading a lot about BPD I'm not surprised and it explains a fair bit. I have found a psychologist since moving and she wants to work through DBT (Dialectic Behavioural Therapy) with me which i'm not against and believe that it will be beneficial. Does anyone else suffer BPD and would you like to share your experiences and how you cope? Has anyone been through DBT. Was it group therapy or one on one? Paul

Imamess1 Depression and leave options?
  • replies: 1

Hi there, I've been suffering from a severe bout of depression and the doctor gave me a few weeks off work. The thought of going back makes me sick and panic and I don't have it in me to return. The problem is that I spent almost a decade at universi... View more

Hi there, I've been suffering from a severe bout of depression and the doctor gave me a few weeks off work. The thought of going back makes me sick and panic and I don't have it in me to return. The problem is that I spent almost a decade at university studying and finally got my foot in the door and now I'm filled with dread and extreme guilt at the prospect of having to resign when it took me soo long to get this opportunity. Does anyone know if I can take an extended leave of absence or what longer-term options or possibilities that exist if you work for state govt? Thanks.

4321 Can't be bothered
  • replies: 3

I'm struggling with everyday life at the moment. When I'm at work I'm ok but I work casually so have a lot of fee time. the last few months if I'm not working all I do is pull the blinds and sleep. I have no motivation to do anything or go anywhere. ... View more

I'm struggling with everyday life at the moment. When I'm at work I'm ok but I work casually so have a lot of fee time. the last few months if I'm not working all I do is pull the blinds and sleep. I have no motivation to do anything or go anywhere. I live opposite the beach so I know I should be there everyday but I just can't be bothered. any tips of overcoming a lack of motivation and wanting to sleep??? thank you

Razza586 My life with depression anxiety and addiction
  • replies: 3

"Looking back i should have begun therapy years ago" How does one self beat the dark life of depression? Anxiety and addiction. Im a 29 y.o male who lives with depression anxiety addiction and probably psychosis. Sounds horrible to say but thats the ... View more

"Looking back i should have begun therapy years ago" How does one self beat the dark life of depression? Anxiety and addiction. Im a 29 y.o male who lives with depression anxiety addiction and probably psychosis. Sounds horrible to say but thats the reality. shh keep it to yourself haha I dont find it comfortable living with any of those 'disorders' its very challenging and at times dibilitating. I am currently out of work and am feeling very sorry for myself. If i was a paraplegic or have some physical issue people would understand. This depression n that - no body knows what your going through. You can try to discribe it to a trusted individual but they still may not fully understand. Pit gets to a point where people are fed up in my life. Its the same old story over and over again. I must say its no walk in the park. To give you some insite i basically lost everything. Friends the girlfriend job - the list goes on. With my depression i developed an addictive side which became a full time gig. Anything addictive ive probably been there. Now its a time in my life with alot of my old friends are now getting married, have the house on the hill, kids etc and im still struggling to get out of bed. I often choose not tk. I hate waking up - nothing excites me when in the depths of depression. This whole fuck it additude has been going for to long and its time to break free. Time moves so fast that before we know it lifes finished. Its a scary thought. Really dont knkw where im going with all of this but i dunno where lucky now days that people are aware of mentalillness and kind of understand what a pain in the arse it can be. I really hope one day this sarga of addiction (terrible coping stradegy) jail rehabs un employment bad relationships can all come to an end. Going to try CBT hopefully that can get us out of this mess. I wish you all the best and have a happy life.

louies Mornings are the hardest
  • replies: 3

Hi there I have been suffering? From depression and anxiety my whole life and have been medicated for about 8 years now. I'm coping well but I always find it hard in the mornings I get up ok but as the morning progress I feel yuk up until late about ... View more

Hi there I have been suffering? From depression and anxiety my whole life and have been medicated for about 8 years now. I'm coping well but I always find it hard in the mornings I get up ok but as the morning progress I feel yuk up until late about 1pm then I get relief. Just wanted to to know does any one ells have this problem or is it just me. THanks for your time RISS